Zerix

I found a 2003 C320 Sedan for 15k, clean good condition. But it's almost/close to 114k miles. Should I just leave this alone? Any opinions?

Better yet here's a link to it: http://www.cars.com/go/search/detail...E+descending%7

rlee02135

yea mileage is way too high.
buy one with the warranty

barrykaye

Sounds kind of high to me too but Kelly Blue Book shows a retail value of almost $20K for an '03 with 114,000 miles. Check it out yourself: www.kbb.com. That website is not necessarily the best but I have found that it is a decent place to get started when researching a used car.

Zerix

Yeah, thing is I'm still looking for a car to buy (a benz) and I was considering the C class, probably a C280, but ran across this ad, and my dad likes it but doesnt like the fact it's too big of mileage. Should I get this if I could get warranty with it? Then there's nothing to worry about right?

Brunelleschi

If you purchase an additional warranty you should be in good shape. Keep in mind though that the purchased warraties are typically a little bit tighter than your factory warranty. They work like insurance comapnies and will try to ditch their responsibilities if something should go wrong with the car. I have had my share of run-ins with those types of companies. Not trying to turn you off to the idea...just raising a bit of awareness. Does the car have a pretty clean maintenance history?

Vivid

There is no need to buy a car with that many miles. For a few thousand more you should be able to find one with under 70k.

gcwaterski

Look at autotrader.com- i dont know for sure, but it seems like you could find one like it for around $15k that has i dunno 90-100k on it. I think you would regret it if you got one with those chrome wheels on it! I dont know your age- but talking about "dad" i would assume you are younger- so I would also look for one that is not that color- perhaps a silver/black/white, or any other sportier color than brown (or pewter or whatever MB calls it)

As Far as the miles on it- c'mon guys these things are supposed to be good for 200k easy right?!

Zerix

Yes, turning 17 this November. And I cant really come up with a few more thousand so this might be my best bet, along with gettin the additional warranty. Thx for advice though, I'll also check out that other site gc mentioned.

EDIT, few more questions:

1) What's wrong with those chrome wheels?

2) I heard painting car reduces its value, why is that? And how much would it be to paint this one, say, black?

C240Style

Chrome wheels generally do not go well with C-class cars, they're better with a high polish type finish as my car has, or something even more simple. The stock bubble wheels (that you have) in chrome are not attractive in most Mercedes owners eyes.

Painting a car doesn't reduce the value off the bat, but someone might question as to why it was painted (body damage/etc) so it may be lower in value. As far as price, you're probably looking $3-6,000 for a good job.

Anyway, when you're getting a new car the best thing to do is be patient. Wait til the perfect deal comes along, it'll be there. Just looking on craigslist, I found a 2002 C240 with 48k miles for $17,000. Your price range isn't too far off, especially with something a little higher mileage. Remember, just be patient as I did. I ended up getting a 2003 C240 with 28,000miles on it for $18,000.

hss0p

I bought my 04 c230k sedan with 31k, 50k or 23mo left on the warranty for 22k. PERFECT condition, FULLY Loaded, here in Cali. Take your time, and you will find a beauty!

Zerix

1. Agreed about the wheels, personally they do look like crap to me.

2. Thanks for the 'patience' advice, those are some damn good deals. I'll try looking for more then.

And one more question, when 07 hits, will the prices lower (then I would probably wait a few more months though it be real hard)? Or it dont matter and I have to wait til mid 07' til new models hit, only then they'll lower..?

Ryanr317

Pass that one up. I got my 02 C320 with 87k for $13,300. It has heated seats, headlight washers, and its the sport model. Just keep looking.

C240Style

I'm pretty sure the '07s are out. If you're really that set on a Mercedes at a low price, my recommendation would be to get a really cheap, crappy beater car for $3-5,000 and then be able to sell it for pretty much the same by this upcoming summer. Because this summer, the 2008 W204 C-class comes out which will totally shut the market off for the 2001-2007 C classes.

Otherwise, just keep looking until you find something with lower miles at a better price.

-Andrew

Zerix

I meant in mid 07.. when 08 models come out. I guess you answered that though. Im a keep looking then, thats a good buy Ryan.

Moze

Is the C320 necessary? Get the same car w/ a little less engine (C240) for less

Ryanr317

It's not, but for me, i just wanted something over 200hp. A C240 is sufficient though. The C320 has a bit more features such as the climatronic. I'm not sure if it's on option on the 240s.

FashionCore21

Too high i know its hard to be patient save and get one with less miles it will pay off in the long run

white_w203

i believe for a car that year with the mileage is pretty high. that's just me though. if you want the car, then get it anyway. as long as the vehicle is mechanically sound there shouldn't be any problems.

k_lundquist

Personally I don't think its 'high miles' that kills a car. Rather its age. 114k on a 2003 means that whoever owned it must have done a ton of highway driving. There's no way they could do that many miles beating on a car in the city. The amount of engine wear that occurs at highway cruising is minimal if any at all.

I'd say as long as the previous owner didn't beat on it and the kid really likes the car he should go for it. Maybe he can even haggle the other guy down a little.

Zerix

Heh, man what a tough choice. I could either get this or opt for a 98' C280 with 80k on it for under 10k; perfect condition pretty much.

I'll visit the place anyway, and yeah maybe try and get the price lowered or something.

dalazernet

My 2 cents would be hop on that 98 C280 -- I have always loved the older boxy styling of the C-class... even more than the current looks. Although - others above are right about that high mileage C320... being mostly highway miles (I'm sure), its probably a creampuff. Go test out both and see which you like best. Either way, looks like you did your homework for a good model :-)

- Eric

yeuchau

not only mileage is high, I think the price is pretty high as well